Rare birds returned to Dirk Hartog Island

The Cosmos Podcast

Welcome to a Cosmos Insights podcast, where we talk to scientists in Australia about the impact of their work.

With brownish feathers, distinctive fine white streaks, and a long cocked tail, the western grasswren (Amytornis textilis) is a charming but elusive native Australian songbird.

If you are lucky enough to spot one, you might find it darting between shrubs as it forages along the ground on Dirk Hartog Island in Western Australia – thanks to the first successful grasswren translocation effort last month.

It was to re-establish the population after the introduction of sheep, goats, and feral cats caused the birds, and 12 other species, to become extinct on the island.

Today Cosmos journalist Imma Perfetto talks to Dr Saul Cowen, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and Aline Gibson Vega, whose PhD project helped in the translocation.

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